Paula Llewellyn to end historic run as Jamaica’s longest-serving DPP on Sept 19

King’s Counsel Paula Llewellyn, Jamaica’s longest-serving Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and the first woman to hold the post, will spend her last working day in office on September 19, closing a 41-year run in the nation’s justice system.

Her final official duty will be to participate in the ceremonial opening of the Michaelmas term of the circuit court for the Home Circuit Court in downtown Kingston, on Friday, September 19.

“I consider it to have been the greatest privilege of my life,” Llewellyn told The Gleaner today. "To have been allowed to make a contribution to the administration of justice at the highest level."

She added: "And it has been a great pleasure to have served. First of all, to have worked with the colleagues that I have, helped to mentor a lot of my colleagues, learned a lot from my colleagues, both at the public bar, the private bar, and the judiciary. And most importantly, to have served the public of Jamaica. To use any talent and ability that I have had to serve the public of Jamaica in giving service above self.”

A replacement has not been announced but there are reports that four persons have been shortlisted for the top post.

Born Paula Vanessa Llewellyn, the pioneering prosecutor charted a steady rise through the legal system after leaving St Hugh’s High School and completing law studies in 1984. She began her career as a Clerk of Court in St James that year, before moving to the DPP’s Office as Crown Counsel.

Within seven years, she was appointed deputy director, later becoming the first woman to act as director in 1999 and the first female senior director in 2003.

In May 2008, Llewellyn was appointed DPP, replacing Kent Pantry, KC. In that same year she was made Queen’s Counsel (now King's Counsel) and awarded the Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander.

Llewellyn led prosecutions against some of Jamaica’s most notorious criminals, including convicted Kingston don Donald ‘Zeeks’ Phipps of Matthew's Lane. She was a staunch advocate for expanding the capacity of of the DPP's office to meet rising demands.

Her tenure was not without controversy. She faced criticism over several high-profile matters, including the infamous Irwin case, which prompted public debate about prosecutorial discretion and accountability.

Llewellyn's historic run almost ended earlier.

Before reaching the then retirement age of 60 on September 21, 2020, she received a three-year extension that lapsed in September 2023. Her bid for a further extension was rejected in 2023.

The Government amended the Constitution to increase the retirement age for the DPP and the Auditor General from 60 to 65, saying it was to bring those positions in accordance with the new pension law. That amendment triggered a bruising legal battle, with opposition lawmakers arguing it was engineered to keep Llewellyn in office.

A Constitutional Court ruling in April 2024 initially cast doubt on her future, but in December 2024 the Court of Appeal cleared the way for her return, ruling that the change was valid and that she was entitled to benefit from the higher retirement age.

Llewellyn resumed duties in January 2025 after stepping aside for months during the litigation.

Directors of Public Prosecutions, Jamaica (1962 – Present)

William H. Swaby, KC

1962 – 1965

Jamaica’s first DPP after Independence. Later became a Supreme Court Judge. Died in 1988 at age 78.

Huntley Munroe,

1965 – 1968

Oversaw prosecutions in landmark cases; later served on the Inter-American Court of Human Rights. Died January 1, 1996, at age 84.

James Kerr,

1968 – 1977

Distinguished constitutional lawyer with 17 Privy Council victories. Later served on the Court of Appeal and as Political Ombudsman. Died February 21, 2005, at age 83.

Justice (retired) Ian Xavier Forte, OJ, CD, KC

1977 – 1988

Later became President of the Court of Appeal. Retired.

Glen Andrade, KC

1988 – 1998

Remembered as a strong, humane leader and mentor of young prosecutors. Died September 17, 2009, at age 72.

Kent S Pantry, CD, KC

1998 – 2008

Later became Dean of the Faculty of Law, University of Technology, Jamaica. Retired.

Paula Vanessa Llewellyn, KC, CD

2008 – Present

First woman appointed DPP and Jamaica’s longest-serving. Known for leading major prosecutions and expanding the office.

Follow The Gleaner on X and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.